C'River: Mrs. Linda Ayade unhappy about sexual violence against 4years child.

Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Linda Ayade has expressed unhappiness at the news of sexual violence perpetrated against little Miss Edem

(not real name), a 4-year-old child in Calabar and has vowed that the perpetrator, simply identified as Etebong, will not go unpunished for committing such a dastardly act against the innocent child.

In a statement by Mr. Fred Abua, a Senior Special Assistant on Media at the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade said “Parents must be watchful and must realize that abusers are not strangers but people we know: our family, friends and neighbours, the ones we trust and allow access to our children.” The Governor’s wife also sympathized with the child who is now going through a traumatic healing process that will last many years and has pledged to take responsibility for her treatment.

According to Mr. Tony Nsemo, the good Samaritan who reported the matter to the police, Miss Edem was sexually molested by a neighbour and is now being treated in a hospital in Calabar while the suspect has since been arrested and detained at the State Housing Police Station. The IPO handling the case, Ms. Pauline Akpama, assured that since it involves a juvenile, the case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department from where the suspect will be charged to court.

Dr. Ayade has vowed to watch the legal processes that they police will commence to ensure that the case against the child molester is not compromised until justice is done. She regretted that sex offenders often have far-reaching influence that allow them avoid getting justice.

The Governor’s wife who has repeatedly spoken against child rape and all forms of sexual violence, has continued to provide support for victims while also calling on all well meaning individuals to report any sexual violence or child molestation to the police or the Centre for Gender-Based Violence at the State Ministry of Women Affairs.